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India set for $2bn drone order in biggest buy
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Conflict & Security

India set for $2bn drone order in biggest buy

From Dawn · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • India is poised to order over $2 billion in military drones from domestic manufacturers this year, marking its largest such purchase.
  • The move is driven by increasing demand amid global and regional conflicts.
  • Deliveries are expected within 18 to 24 months, significantly increasing the value from previous tactical drone orders.

India is set to place its largest-ever military drone order, valued at over $2 billion, with domestic firms this year. This significant procurement reflects a global surge in demand for drone technology, fueled by ongoing conflicts worldwide and in the region. Smit Shah, president of Drone Federation India, stated that tactical drone procurements in India could exceed 200 billion rupees (more than $2 billion) in the next phase. The Drone Federation India represents over 550 companies and collaborates closely with the government. Shah indicated that these new orders might utilize a fast-track procurement route to address urgent operational needs, with deliveries anticipated within 18 to 24 months. This contrasts sharply with recent government orders for tactical-class drones, which were worth around 30 billion rupees ($313 million). The country currently boasts 600 drone manufacturing firms, with more than 100 focusing on advanced technologies.

In the next phase, tactical drone procurements in India may exceed 200 billion rupees, or more than $2 billion.

— Smit ShahSmit Shah, president of Drone Federation India, quantifying the potential value of the upcoming drone orders.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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